
The BJ80 is equipped with a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 231 hp and a peak torque of 345 Nm. It comes with a 6-speed automatic manual transmission and features such as front seat belt reminder, tire pressure monitoring, electronic stability control, traction control, brake assist, child seat anchors, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera. The BJ80 measures 4765mm in length, 1955mm in width, and 1985mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2800mm. It is a 5-door, 5-seater SUV with an 85L fuel tank. The front suspension employs a double-wishbone independent setup, while the rear uses a five-link non-independent suspension.

The engine options for the BJ80 primarily depend on the version. The standard model often uses a 2.3T turbocharged gasoline engine, which is quite common. It originates from the old Saab platform but has been optimized by BAIC, delivering a maximum horsepower of 184 hp and torque of 300 Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It offers good power response, making it suitable for city driving and light off-roading, though fuel consumption is relatively high, averaging around 12 liters per 100 km. There's also a 2.8T diesel engine version with 163 hp but higher torque of 340 Nm, excelling in low-speed climbing and off-road performance, though it's noisier and may struggle with cold starts in winter. Both engines comply with China's National VI emission standards. Daily maintenance is simpler for the gasoline engine, while the diesel engine is more durable but requires more frequent checks on the fuel system. Personally, I often drive the gasoline version and find its power adequate and acceleration smooth in mountainous areas, though wind noise is noticeable at high speeds. Maintenance costs are low, and parts are easy to find.

As an owner of the BJ80, I drive the gasoline-powered 2.3T engine model. It provides ample power for city commuting with quick acceleration, and handles uphill driving without difficulty. The average fuel consumption is 12-14 liters per 100 kilometers, which is reasonable but higher than regular sedans. A friend who owns the diesel version mentioned its strong low-end torque makes it ideal for off-roading and hill climbing, though it produces a noticeable hum and has slower cold starts in winter. Oil changes for the gasoline engine are affordable and hassle-free every 5,000 kilometers. Overall, these engines are fairly reliable, and BAIC's build quality has improved significantly—no major issues over two to three years of ownership. While the design isn't the latest tech platform and falls short of the Mercedes G-Class, it offers great value for the price, making it accessible even for beginners. Maintenance can be done at local shops for just a few dozen yuan—no need to insist on dealership service.

The BJ80 primarily features two engine options: a 2.3T gasoline engine and a 2.8T diesel engine. The gasoline engine, derived from older Saab technology, delivers 184 horsepower, offering smooth performance but higher fuel consumption. The diesel engine produces 163 horsepower with strong torque, making it ideal for off-roading. Having driven similar models for decades, I find BAIC's engines reasonably stable and easy to maintain. Diesel engines may experience delayed starts in winter, so preheating is recommended, while gasoline engines ignite more easily. Post-China VI emissions standards, these engines are more eco-friendly with reduced pollution, though veteran drivers still prefer manual versions for their reliability. For daily driving or mountain off-roading, the diesel variant excels in climbing and smooth acceleration. When buying used, always check the engine number to ensure it's original, as counterfeit parts often cause issues.

The engine design of the BJ80 is quite impressive. The gasoline 2.3T version delivers 184 horsepower, providing quick acceleration and a stylish presence on the street, though its slightly higher fuel consumption doesn't detract from its fashionable appeal. The diesel 2.8T version, with 163 horsepower, excels in off-road performance, making it ideal for self-driving camping trips with its strong low-end torque. During my test drive, the power response was direct and the body felt stable, though the engine noise was noticeable at high speeds and required music to mask it. The engine, upgraded from BAIC's domestic platform to meet China VI emission standards, offers cost and peace-of-mind advantages over imported vehicles. Routine maintenance for the gasoline version, like oil and filter changes, costs just a few dozen yuan, while the diesel version requires extra attention to the air filter to prevent clogging. Off-road enthusiasts are recommended to opt for the more practical diesel version.


